Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation. When everyday activities such as opening a jar, climbing stairs, or walking become difficult due to joint discomfort, arthritis may be the underlying cause.
There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both affect the joints, they differ significantly in cause, progression, and treatment.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is considered a degenerative joint disease. It develops gradually as the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, particularly in weight-bearing areas such as the knees, hips, and spine.
Progressive cartilage loss narrows the joint space, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. As the cartilage weakens, surrounding tendons and ligaments are placed under strain, and bony growths called bone spurs (osteophytes) may form. In advanced stages, cartilage loss can result in bone-on-bone contact, altering joint structure and function.
Symptoms may fluctuate with activity levels or weather changes, but can become persistent in more severe disease.
Common symptoms of OA include:
Joint pain and stiffness
Reduced range of motion
Crackling or grating sensation (crepitus)
Joint swelling, especially in later stages
OA can affect any joint but most commonly involves the knees, hips, spine, and small joints of the hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining (synovium), causing persistent inflammation and progressive joint damage.
Symptoms usually develop gradually over weeks or months, although some individuals may experience a more rapid onset. RA often follows a pattern of flare-ups and remission, when symptoms worsen intermittently.
RA typically affects joints symmetrically, meaning both sides of the body are involved to a similar degree, though severity may vary.
Common symptoms of RA include:
Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour
Pain and stiffness that are more intense in the morning
Warm, swollen, or reddened joints
Joint deformities and contractures over time
Fatigue and low energy
Poor appetite or unintentional weight loss
Low-grade fever
RA frequently begins in the small joints of the hands and feet but may progress to involve larger joints.
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing arthritis:
Older age
Female gender
Family history or genetic predisposition
Excess body weight
Smoking (particularly associated with RA)
Previous joint injury or repetitive joint stress (more relevant to OA)
Diagnosing whether it is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis involves a combination of symptom assessment, physical examination, and investigations.
For OA, blood tests are usually not required but may be done to exclude other inflammatory conditions.
For RA, the tests include Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) to assess inflammation, Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies to support diagnosis, and Full Blood Count (FBC) to evaluate overall health and rule out other causes.
X-rays are done to assess joint space narrowing and bone changes and MRI scans detect early joint inflammation and soft tissue damage.
Although arthritis cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Pain-relieving medications for more severe symptoms
Corticosteroid injections in selected cases
Supportive Measures
Hot or cold therapy
Weight management
Physiotherapy to improve joint strength and mobility
Assistive Devices
Specialised footwear or insoles
Walking aids to reduce joint strain
Medications
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine to slow disease progression
Biologic therapies for moderate to severe disease
JAK inhibitors when other therapies are unsuitable
NSAIDs and corticosteroids for symptom control
Physiotherapy
Strengthens muscles
Preserves joint function
Maintains mobility and independence
Surgery
Surgical intervention may be considered when arthritis causes severe pain, deformity, or loss of function despite optimal medical management. Surgery aims to restore joint alignment, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, or difficulty performing daily activities, early evaluation is recommended.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our experienced orthopaedic specialists work closely with rehabilitation and physiotherapy teams to provide accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, medical and surgical care, and comprehensive rehabilitation programmes.
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